The case of Kinesoft vs. Softbank and Ronald Fisher is now set to go to trial on June 1, 2001. The date was determined by the presiding judge in the case, Magistrate Judge Sidney I. Schenkier of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The lawsuit was originally filed by Kinesoft in November 1999 over Softbank's refusal to honor its obligations under a 1997 agreement between the companies. Kinesoft later added a claim against Ronald Fisher for a breach of fiduciary duty. Fisher is chairman of Softbank's US operations and a member of Kinesoft's board of directors. The amount in damages sought by Kinesoft has not been announced.

"We are extremely pleased with the judge's rulings and are now able to move forward with our case. I am confident that when a jury has had the opportunity to consider all the facts, Softbank will finally be required to live up to its obligations and will be held accountable for its actions," said Kinesoft chairman, Peter Sills. "I am looking forward to putting this unpleasant chapter in our history behind us."

Kinesoft is based in Austin, Texas, and it has announced two games currently in development--the futuristic tactical combat game Crimson Order and the fantasy real-time strategy game MageLords. Both games are scheduled for release later this year. For more information about the company, visit the official Kinesoft Web site.